Chikwanda comes under the spot light

Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda today comes under the spot light from stakeholders across all sectors as he unveils the 2015 national budget.

For many economic players they will be expecting the minister to give some tax relief in the 2015 budget, while for most workers focus will be on the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) threshold which they hope will be increased above the current K3,000.

There will also be anticipation for a budgetary allocation for the constitution making process, especially with growing calls for the holding of a referendum before the 2016 elections.

And ActionAid Zambia says it expects a much more robust policy on taxation in the 2015 national budget to be presented to Parliament today.

ActionAid country Director Pamela Chisanga has told Qfm news in an interview that increased budgetary allocation to the social sector is also key for the country to build on the gains its has made in the sector.

Ms Chisanga says there is need for Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda to further clearly state measures government will taken to enhance revenue generation.

She adds that much as government has shown serious commitment to infrastructure development across the country, there is need for clear prioritization.

Ms. Chisanga says the country risks losing the gains it has made in crucial sectors such as education and health if enough funding is not allocated.

Meanwhile the Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) says it hopes the 2015 Budget will provide funding for the holding of the referendum on the new constitution.

Executive Director Lewis Mwape has told Qfm news that ZCSD also looks forward to seeing an increased allocation towards the Farmer Input Support program (FISP) in the budget.

Mr. Mwape says this is in order to enable more small farmers scale farmer benefit from the programme as others graduate into medium scale farmers.

Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda is this afternoon expected to present the 2015 national budget to Parliament.